CULTIVATION

Parsley is a biennial often cultivated as an annual as it turns bitter and flowers in the second year. It is subdivided in many cultivar groups with leaf parsley and root parsley being the two main groups.

Leaf parsley is subdivided in curly leaf and flat leaf, or Italian, groups. They differ in taste and many people prefer one over the other. Flat leaf is easier to cultivate because it it is more tolerating of sunshine and rain. Curly leaf is considered stronger in taste and it is considered more decorative as a garnish.

Root parsley is grown as a root vegetable. It forms a long taproot that is mild in flavor. It resembles parsnip but the taste is much different.

Hardiness: Zone 3Propagation: SeedGermination: 2 to 6 weeks. High rate of failure due to the presence of furocoumarins in the seed coat. Presoak seeds to speed up the process. Sow 2 weeks before the last frost in modules or directly in situ as parsley is difficult to transplant when established.Spacing: 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches).Soil: Moist but well-drained, rich.pH: 6 to 8Exposure: Full sun or partial shade.Garden Design: Combine it in the herb garden with tagetes, calendula, chives, santolina and sage. It grows well and looks beautiful in pots.Companion planting: Parsley is a wonderful companion plant to strawberries, carrots, tomatoes, onions and chives. Avoid planting it next to lettuce and beets.

DRYING

Parsley should be dried fast if medicinal value is to be kept. It’ll turn brown if dried slowly. Hang a bushel upside down in a dark, dry and very well ventilated room. Let dry until the leaves crumble when pressed. Alternatively, dry the leaves in a dehydrator at 40 Celsius (104 F) until fully dried.

PROPERTIES

TASTE

Root: slightly sweet and a bit pungent

SCENT

Aromatic

MEDICINAL USE OF PARSLEY

Parsley is not only useful to freshen up garlic breath. It is also used to prevent and treat kidney stones. The essential oils present in root and seeds irritate the soft tissues of the kidney leading to contraction and expulsion of the stones. The essential oils also irritate the smooth muscles of the bladder, intestines and the uterus.
An emmenagogue, parsley stimulates the uterus and helps to stimulate the menstrual process.
Parsley seed is a much stronger diuretic than the roots. However, the seeds contain a high amount of apiole which is toxic in large quantities. Due to the side effects of pure apiole, parsley seed received a “negative monograph” from the Commission E . The herb and the roots received a “positive monograph”.

Used internally for:

Kidney stones

Stimulating the menstrual process

Recommended daily dosage:

Per British Herbal Compendium: 2 to 4 g dried herb or 2 to 4 ml fluid extract (1:1 25%) three times daily.
Per Commission E: 6 g herb per day

Tincture: (1:5 40%): 1 to 2 ml three times per day.Tea: 1 to 2 teaspoons of leaf or root per cup of boiling water. Infuse in a covered container to prevent the essential oils from dissipating. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

HOMEMADE PREPARATIONS

Infusion (tea)

Tincture

CULINARY USE

The attractive parsley leaves are often used by many cultures to garnish dishes. In many parts of Europe, parsley root is used in soups, stews and casseroles, as well as a vegetable snack.

It is a very popular ingredient in salads in the Middle East such as tabbouleh.

In Brazil, it is used along with scallions in cheiro verde a key seasoning in many Brazilian dishes.

Parsley is the main ingredient in persillade, a seasoning mixture of chopped parsley and garlic. Sometimes herbs, oil and vinegar are also added to the mixture. Persillade is very popular in French, Greek, Cajun, Louisiana Creole and Québécois cuisines.

SIDE EFFECTS

Allegic reactions are rare. Photosensitivity may occur after harvesting the roots because they are rich in furocoumarin.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Due to restricted heart and kidney function, avoid parsley in case of edema. Don’t use it if inflammation of the kidney is present and during pregnancy.